Determining locations based on dynamic environmental characteristics and user data

ABSTRACT

Mechanisms are provided to implement a location identification mechanism to identify a location or route for a user. A starting location of the user is identified in response to receiving a set of details from the user including at least a target location. A three-dimensional model of an area around the starting location, an area around the target location, and an area between the starting location and the target location is generated and current local weather and forecasted local weather associated with the starting location, the target location, and the area between the starting location and the target location is identified. Anticipated wind flow and temperatures within the generated three-dimensional model are simulated to identify a route from the starting location to the target location that meets a set of personal preferences of the user. The identified route is then presented on a user-selected navigation application.

BACKGROUND

The present application relates generally to an improved data processingapparatus and method and more specifically to mechanisms for determininglocations based on dynamic environmental characteristics and user data.

SUMMARY

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described herein in the DetailedDescription. This Summary is not intended to identify key factors oressential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended tobe used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

In one illustrative embodiment, a method is provided in a dataprocessing system comprising at least one processor and at least onememory, the at least one memory comprising instructions that areexecuted by the at least one processor to cause the at least oneprocessor to be configured to implement a location identificationmechanism to identify a location or route for a user. The methodcomprises identifying, by a location identification engine of thelocation identification mechanism, a starting location of the user inresponse to receiving a set of details from the user including at leasta target location. The method also comprises generating, by athree-dimensional model generator of the location identificationmechanism, a three-dimensional model of an area around the startinglocation, an area around the target location, and an area between thestarting location and the target location. Additionally, the methodcomprises identifying, by a weather identification engine of thelocation identification mechanism, current local weather and forecastedlocal weather associated with the starting location, the targetlocation, and the area between the starting location and the targetlocation. Moreover, the method comprises simulating, by a simulationengine of the location identification mechanism, anticipated wind flowand temperatures within the generated three-dimensional model. Furtherthe method comprises identifying, by a location/route identificationengine of the location identification mechanism, a route from thestarting location to the target location that meets a set of personalpreferences of the user. Still further the method comprises presenting,by a mapping overlay engine of the location identification mechanism,the identified route on a user-selected navigation applicationassociated with the data processing system.

In other illustrative embodiments, a computer program product comprisinga computer useable or readable medium having a computer readable programis provided. The computer readable program, when executed on a computingdevice, causes the computing device to perform various ones of, andcombinations of, the operations outlined above with regard to the methodillustrative embodiment.

In yet another illustrative embodiment, a system/apparatus is provided.The system/apparatus may comprise one or more processors and a memorycoupled to the one or more processors. The memory may compriseinstructions which, when executed by the one or more processors, causethe one or more processors to perform various ones of, and combinationsof, the operations outlined above with regard to the method illustrativeembodiment.

These and other features and advantages of the present invention will bedescribed in, or will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in theart in view of, the following detailed description of the exampleembodiments of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention, as well as a preferred mode of use and further objectivesand advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to thefollowing detailed description of illustrative embodiments when read inconjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is an example diagram of a distributed data processing system inwhich aspects of the illustrative embodiments may be implemented;

FIG. 2 is an example block diagram of a computing device in whichaspects of the illustrative embodiments may be implemented;

FIG. 3 depicts a functional block diagram of a location identificationmechanism for determining a location or route in a city usingthree-dimensional city wind flow models, weather information, personalpreferences, or the like, in accordance with an illustrative embodiment;and

FIG. 4 depicts an exemplary flowchart of the operation performed by alocation identification mechanism in determining a location or route ina city using three-dimensional city wind flow models, weatherinformation, personal preferences, or the like, in accordance with anillustrative embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Again, urban areas are congested with large buildings, skyscrapers,commercial properties, and the like, which are further surrounded bystreets, concrete walkways, parking lots, and the like. People who live,work, and play in these urban areas have to make their way from onelocation to another, which often involves making their way throughextremely hot or cold areas, areas where the tall buildings orskyscrapers cause the wind to blow more turbulently, areas where ice andsnow do not melt due to being in the shadow of the tall buildings orskyscrapers, or the like. Unless a user is a local resident or afrequent visitor to these urban areas, knowing where the route is to getfrom one place to another or what the best places are to have a picnicmay be impossible.

In order to determine locations based on dynamic environmentalcharacteristics and user data so that a user may move from one place toanother, have a picnic, or the like, the illustrative embodimentsprovide mechanisms that utilize three-dimensional city wind flow modelsand weather information, to identify an optimal location to walk, sit,run, bike, picnic, or the like, in an urban environment. The mechanismsgenerate a three-dimensional model of the urban environment thatidentifies wind flow patterns for the urban environment that takes intoconsideration one or more urban structures, such as tall buildings,skyscrapers, commercial properties, and the like. This three-dimensionalmodel is then combined with one or more of current local weatherconditions, forecasted local weather conditions, the time of day andresulting sun/shade areas due to the urban structures, as well aspersonal preferences of the user, such as whether the user is walking,biking, running, or the like; whether the user is looking for a place tosit, have a picnic, laydown, or the like; whether the user likes sunnyareas, shaded areas, or the like; as well as other personal preferences.

The mechanisms of the illustrative embodiments then generate a digitalsimulation of the microclimates within the urban environment for theparticular activity that the user is targeting. The digital simulationidentifies the zones given the three-dimensional model of wind flowpatterns, current local weather conditions, forecasted local weatherconditions, the time of day and resulting sun/shade areas due to theurban structures, as well as personal preferences of the user. Themechanisms then overlay the identified zones onto any two-dimensional orthree-dimensional mapping tool so that the user may see an optimallocation, route, or the like for the particular activity the user istargeting. Thus the illustrative embodiment provides an improvement tocurrent technologies used to determine locations based on dynamicenvironmental characteristics and user data so that a user may move fromone place to another, have a picnic, or the like.

That is, the functionality or capability of computing systems isimproved by determining locations based on dynamic environmentalcharacteristics and user data so that a user may move from one place toanother, have a picnic, or the like. Current systems do not take intoconsideration wind flow patterns, current local weather conditions,forecasted local weather conditions, the time of day and resultingsun/shade areas due to the urban structures, as well as personalpreferences of the user. By providing the location identificationmechanism of the illustrative embodiments that take into account windflow patterns, current local weather conditions, forecasted localweather conditions, the time of day and resulting sun/shade areas due tothe urban structures, as well as personal preferences of the user, theuser's experience is improved.

The technical solution provided by the present invention cannot beperformed in the human mind or by a human using a pen and paper. Thatis, the technical solution provided by the present invention could notbe accomplished in the human mind or by a human using a pen and paper inany reasonable amount of time and with any reasonable expectation ofaccuracy without the use of a computer.

Before beginning the discussion of the various aspects of theillustrative embodiments, it should first be appreciated that throughoutthis description the term “mechanism” will be used to refer to elementsof the present invention that perform various operations, functions, andthe like. A “mechanism,” as the term is used herein, may be animplementation of the functions or aspects of the illustrativeembodiments in the form of an apparatus, a procedure, or a computerprogram product. In the case of a procedure, the procedure isimplemented by one or more devices, apparatus, computers, dataprocessing systems, or the like. In the case of a computer programproduct, the logic represented by computer code or instructions embodiedin or on the computer program product is executed by one or morehardware devices in order to implement the functionality or perform theoperations associated with the specific “mechanism.” Thus, themechanisms described herein may be implemented as specialized hardware,software executing on general purpose hardware, software instructionsstored on a medium such that the instructions are readily executable byspecialized or general purpose hardware, a procedure or method forexecuting the functions, or a combination of any of the above.

The present description and claims may make use of the terms “a”, “atleast one of”, and “one or more of” with regard to particular featuresand elements of the illustrative embodiments. It should be appreciatedthat these terms and phrases are intended to state that there is atleast one of the particular feature or element present in the particularillustrative embodiment, but that more than one can also be present.That is, these terms/phrases are not intended to limit the descriptionor claims to a single feature/element being present or require that aplurality of such features/elements be present. To the contrary, theseterms/phrases only require at least a single feature/element with thepossibility of a plurality of such features/elements being within thescope of the description and claims.

Moreover, it should be appreciated that the use of the term “engine,” ifused herein with regard to describing embodiments and features of theinvention, is not intended to be limiting of any particularimplementation for accomplishing and/or performing the actions, steps,processes, etc., attributable to and/or performed by the engine. Anengine may be, but is not limited to, software, hardware and/or firmwareor any combination thereof that performs the specified functionsincluding, but not limited to, any use of a general and/or specializedprocessor in combination with appropriate software loaded or stored in amachine readable memory and executed by the processor. Further, any nameassociated with a particular engine is, unless otherwise specified, forpurposes of convenience of reference and not intended to be limiting toa specific implementation. Additionally, any functionality attributed toan engine may be equally performed by multiple engines, incorporatedinto and/or combined with the functionality of another engine of thesame or different type, or distributed across one or more engines ofvarious configurations.

In addition, it should be appreciated that the following descriptionuses a plurality of various examples for various elements of theillustrative embodiments to further illustrate example implementationsof the illustrative embodiments and to aid in the understanding of themechanisms of the illustrative embodiments. These examples intended tobe non-limiting and are not exhaustive of the various possibilities forimplementing the mechanisms of the illustrative embodiments. It will beapparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the presentdescription that there are many other alternative implementations forthese various elements that may be utilized in addition to, or inreplacement of, the examples provided herein without departing from thespirit and scope of the present invention.

Thus, the illustrative embodiments may be utilized in many differenttypes of data processing environments. In order to provide a context forthe description of the specific elements and functionality of theillustrative embodiments, FIGS. 1 and 2 are provided hereafter asexample environments in which aspects of the illustrative embodimentsmay be implemented. It should be appreciated that FIGS. 1 and 2 are onlyexamples and are not intended to assert or imply any limitation withregard to the environments in which aspects or embodiments of thepresent invention may be implemented. Many modifications to the depictedenvironments may be made without departing from the spirit and scope ofthe present invention.

FIG. 1 depicts a pictorial representation of an example distributed dataprocessing system in which aspects of the illustrative embodiments maybe implemented. Distributed data processing system 100 may include anetwork of computers in which aspects of the illustrative embodimentsmay be implemented. The distributed data processing system 100 containsat least one network 102, which is the medium used to providecommunication links between various devices and computers connectedtogether within distributed data processing system 100. The network 102may include connections, such as wire, wireless communication links, orfiber optic cables.

In the depicted example, server 104 and server 106 are connected tonetwork 102 along with storage unit 108. In addition, clients 110, 112,and 114 are also connected to network 102. These clients 110, 112, and114 may be, for example, personal computers, network computers, or thelike. In the depicted example, server 104 provides data, such as bootfiles, operating system images, and applications to the clients 110,112, and 114. Clients 110, 112, and 114 are clients to server 104 in thedepicted example. Distributed data processing system 100 may includeadditional servers, clients, and other devices not shown.

In the depicted example, distributed data processing system 100 is theInternet with network 102 representing a worldwide collection ofnetworks and gateways that use the Transmission ControlProtocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) suite of protocols to communicatewith one another. At the heart of the Internet is a backbone ofhigh-speed data communication lines between major nodes or hostcomputers, consisting of thousands of commercial, governmental,educational and other computer systems that route data and messages. Ofcourse, the distributed data processing system 100 may also beimplemented to include a number of different types of networks, such asfor example, an intranet, a local area network (LAN), a wide areanetwork (WAN), or the like. As stated above, FIG. 1 is intended as anexample, not as an architectural limitation for different embodiments ofthe present invention, and therefore, the particular elements shown inFIG. 1 should not be considered limiting with regard to the environmentsin which the illustrative embodiments of the present invention may beimplemented.

As shown in FIG. 1, one or more of the computing devices, e.g., server104 may be specifically configured to implement a locationidentification mechanism for determining locations in a city usingthree-dimensional city wind flow models, weather information, personalpreferences, or the like. The configuring of the computing device maycomprise the providing of application specific hardware, firmware, orthe like to facilitate the performance of the operations and generationof the outputs described herein with regard to the illustrativeembodiments. The configuring of the computing device may also, oralternatively, comprise the providing of software applications stored inone or more storage devices and loaded into memory of a computingdevice, such as server 104, for causing one or more hardware processorsof the computing device to execute the software applications thatconfigure the processors to perform the operations and generate theoutputs described herein with regard to the illustrative embodiments.Moreover, any combination of application specific hardware, firmware,and software applications executed on hardware, or the like, may be usedwithout departing from the spirit and scope of the illustrativeembodiments.

It should be appreciated that once the computing device is configured inone of these ways, the computing device becomes a specialized computingdevice specifically configured to implement the mechanisms of theillustrative embodiments and is not a general purpose computing device.Moreover, as described hereafter, the implementation of the mechanismsof the illustrative embodiments improves the functionality of thecomputing device and provides a useful and concrete result thatfacilitates determining locations in a city using three-dimensional citywind flow models, weather information, personal preferences, or thelike.

As noted above, the mechanisms of the illustrative embodiments utilizespecifically configured computing devices, or data processing systems,to perform the operations for determining locations in a city usingthree-dimensional city wind flow models, weather information, personalpreferences, or the like. These computing devices, or data processingsystems, may comprise various hardware elements which are specificallyconfigured, either through hardware configuration, softwareconfiguration, or a combination of hardware and software configuration,to implement one or more of the systems/subsystems described herein.FIG. 2 is a block diagram of just one example data processing system inwhich aspects of the illustrative embodiments may be implemented. Dataprocessing system 200 is an example of a computer, such as server 104 inFIG. 1, in which computer usable code or instructions implementing theprocesses and aspects of the illustrative embodiments of the presentinvention may be located and/or executed so as to achieve the operation,output, and external effects of the illustrative embodiments asdescribed herein.

In the depicted example, data processing system 200 employs a hubarchitecture including north bridge and memory controller hub (NB/MCH)202 and south bridge and input/output (I/O) controller hub (SB/ICH) 204.Processing unit 206, main memory 208, and graphics processor 210 areconnected to NB/MCH 202. Graphics processor 210 may be connected toNB/MCH 202 through an accelerated graphics port (AGP).

In the depicted example, local area network (LAN) adapter 212 connectsto SB/ICH 204. Audio adapter 216, keyboard and mouse adapter 220, modem222, read only memory (ROM) 224, hard disk drive (HDD) 226, CD-ROM drive230, universal serial bus (USB) ports and other communication ports 232,and PCI/PCIe devices 234 connect to SB/ICH 204 through bus 238 and bus240. PCI/PCIe devices may include, for example, Ethernet adapters,add-in cards, and PC cards for notebook computers. PCI uses a card buscontroller, while PCIe does not. ROM 224 may be, for example, a flashbasic input/output system (BIOS).

HDD 226 and CD-ROM drive 230 connect to SB/ICH 204 through bus 240. HDD226 and CD-ROM drive 230 may use, for example, an integrated driveelectronics (IDE) or serial advanced technology attachment (SATA)interface. Super I/O (SIO) device 236 may be connected to SB/ICH 204.

An operating system runs on processing unit 206. The operating systemcoordinates and provides control of various components within the dataprocessing system 200 in FIG. 2. As a client, the operating system maybe a commercially available operating system such as Microsoft® Windows7®. An object-oriented programming system, such as the Java™ programmingsystem, may run in conjunction with the operating system and providescalls to the operating system from Java™ programs or applicationsexecuting on data processing system 200.

As a server, data processing system 200 may be, for example, an IBMeServer™ System P® computer system, Power™ processor based computersystem, or the like, running the Advanced Interactive Executive (AIX®)operating system or the LINUX® operating system. Data processing system200 may be a symmetric multiprocessor (SMP) system including a pluralityof processors in processing unit 206. Alternatively, a single processorsystem may be employed.

Instructions for the operating system, the object-oriented programmingsystem, and applications or programs are located on storage devices,such as HDD 226, and may be loaded into main memory 208 for execution byprocessing unit 206. The processes for illustrative embodiments of thepresent invention may be performed by processing unit 206 using computerusable program code, which may be located in a memory such as, forexample, main memory 208, ROM 224, or in one or more peripheral devices226 and 230, for example.

A bus system, such as bus 238 or bus 240 as shown in FIG. 2, may becomprised of one or more buses. Of course, the bus system may beimplemented using any type of communication fabric or architecture thatprovides for a transfer of data between different components or devicesattached to the fabric or architecture. A communication unit, such asmodem 222 or network adapter 212 of FIG. 2, may include one or moredevices used to transmit and receive data. A memory may be, for example,main memory 208, ROM 224, or a cache such as found in NB/MCH 202 in FIG.2.

As mentioned above, in some illustrative embodiments the mechanisms ofthe illustrative embodiments may be implemented as application specifichardware, firmware, or the like, application software stored in astorage device, such as HDD 226 and loaded into memory, such as mainmemory 208, for executed by one or more hardware processors, such asprocessing unit 206, or the like. As such, the computing device shown inFIG. 2 becomes specifically configured to implement the mechanisms ofthe illustrative embodiments and specifically configured to perform theoperations and generate the outputs described hereafter with regard tothe location identification mechanism.

Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the hardware inFIGS. 1 and 2 may vary depending on the implementation. Other internalhardware or peripheral devices, such as flash memory, equivalentnon-volatile memory, or optical disk drives and the like, may be used inaddition to or in place of the hardware depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2. Also,the processes of the illustrative embodiments may be applied to amultiprocessor data processing system, other than the computing systemmentioned previously, without departing from the spirit and scope of thepresent invention.

Moreover, the data processing system 200 may take the form of any of anumber of different data processing systems including client computingdevices, server computing devices, a tablet computer, laptop computer,telephone or other communication device, a personal digital assistant(PDA), or the like. In some illustrative examples, data processingsystem 200 may be a portable computing device that is configured withflash memory to provide non-volatile memory for storing operating systemfiles and/or user-generated data, for example. Essentially, dataprocessing system 200 may be any known or later developed dataprocessing system without architectural limitation.

FIG. 3 depicts a functional block diagram of a location identificationmechanism for determining a location or route in a city usingthree-dimensional city wind flow models, weather information, personalpreferences, or the like, in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.Location identification mechanism 300, which is within data processingsystem 301, comprises user interface 302, location identification engine304, three-dimensional model generator 306, weather identificationengine 308, personal preferences identification engine 310, simulationengine 312, location/route identification engine 314, mapping overlayengine 316, and feedback engine 318. In order to determine a location orroute that meets user's 320 target activity, user 320 identifies one ormore details via user interface 302, such as a target location, whetherthe user will be walking, biking, running, or the like, as well as anyother pertinent details of the target activity, such as whether the useris looking for a place to sit, have a picnic, laydown, or the like.

Upon receiving the target activity, location identification engine 304identifies a starting location of user 320 via one or more locationsystems, such as though global positioning. Using the starting locationand the target location, three-dimensional model generator 304 generatesa three-dimensional model of the areas around the starting location, thetarget location, and an area between the starting location and thetarget location. The three-dimensional model of the area includesbuildings, commercial structures, apartments, parking lots, parks,sidewalks, streets, trees, or the like. Using the starting location andthe target location, weather identification engine 308 identifies bothcurrent local weather and forecasted local weather associated with thestarting location, the target location, and the area between thestarting location and the target location. Further, personal preferencesidentification engine 310 identifies one or more personal preferences ofuser 320, such as whether the user likes sunny areas, shaded areas, orthe like; as well as other personal preferences.

With the generated three-dimensional model of the areas, the identifiedcurrent local weather and forecasted local weather, and the identifiedpersonal preferences, simulation engine 312 runs a simulation of theanticipated wind flow and temperatures as it pertains to the generatedthree-dimensional model, identifying areas such as, those where windtunnels may occur between buildings, downdraught effects, windvelocities, or the like, as well as what effect on the temperature, suchwind flows have. Simulation engine 312 further identifies areas wherethe temperature may be hotter or colder due to the exposures or shadingcaused by of buildings, the position of the sun at the current time ofday, or the like. Further, simulation engine may utilize one or morepositions of the sun for the time it would take to move from thestarting location to the target location in order to identify where thesun may shine in user's 320 face, areas where user 320 will be in theshade or dark, or how long be before the sun will set or rise. Thus,simulation engine 312 identifies a microclimate describing the “feel”temperatures of the various routes from the starting location to thetarget location. In order to improve the quality of the simulation,simulation engine 312 may access actual measurements from varioussensors in the para of the starting location, the target location andthe area between the starting location and the target location, such astemperature sensors, wind-speed detectors, wind-direction detectors, orthe like. Simulation engine 312 may also take into consideration surfacearea influences, such as concrete sidewalks, concrete or asphalt streetsand parking lots, grassy areas, or the like.

Once simulation engine 312 has completed all simulations, location/routeidentification engine 314 identifies a route from the starting locationto the target location that meets the personal preferences of user 320.It should be noted that the route may not be the most direct route fromthe starting location to the target location, but is a route that wouldget user 320 from the starting location to the target location whilemeeting user's 320 preferences with regard to sunny areas, shaded areas,or the like. Once location/route identification engine 314 determines aroute, mapping overlay engine 316 interacts with a user selectednavigation application associated with data processing system 301 tovisually illustrate the route from the starting location to the targetlocation.

Finally, as user 320 navigates to the target location, locationidentification mechanism 300 monitors the route taken by user 302 andcontinually updates the most route for user 320 to take based on anyvariances from the initially determined route that user 320 may take,any changes in the local weather, or any other variables associated witha current location, the target location, and the area between thecurrent location and the target location. Further, if the user changesroutes during a current navigation, feedback engine 318 may identifycurrent conditions associated with the selected route and utilize thoseconditions as personal preferences in future simulations, i.e. learningfrom actual measurements of the route user 320 navigated during thecurrent navigation, which are stored as personal preferences 322 instorage 324.

While this description is based on an urban environment, theillustrative embodiments are not limited to only these environments.That is, location identification mechanism 300 could be utilized inmountain environments where trees, mountains, valleys, or the like,provide the same wind, temperatures, shading, or the like, issues asexist in the urban environment. Still further, using utilizing lawenforcement statistics, simulation engine 312 could also identify saferroutes to navigate from the starting location to the target location.

The present invention may be a system, a method, and/or a computerprogram product. The computer program product may include a computerreadable storage medium (or media) having computer readable programinstructions thereon for causing a processor to carry out aspects of thepresent invention.

The computer readable storage medium can be a tangible device that canretain and store instructions for use by an instruction executiondevice. The computer readable storage medium may be, for example, but isnot limited to, an electronic storage device, a magnetic storage device,an optical storage device, an electromagnetic storage device, asemiconductor storage device, or any suitable combination of theforegoing. A non-exhaustive list of more specific examples of thecomputer readable storage medium includes the following: a portablecomputer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), aread-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROMor Flash memory), a static random access memory (SRAM), a portablecompact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disk (DVD),a memory stick, a floppy disk, a mechanically encoded device such aspunch-cards or raised structures in a groove having instructionsrecorded thereon, and any suitable combination of the foregoing. Acomputer readable storage medium, as used herein, is not to be construedas being transitory signals per se, such as radio waves or other freelypropagating electromagnetic waves, electromagnetic waves propagatingthrough a waveguide or other transmission media (e.g., light pulsespassing through a fiber-optic cable), or electrical signals transmittedthrough a wire.

Computer readable program instructions described herein can bedownloaded to respective computing/processing devices from a computerreadable storage medium or to an external computer or external storagedevice via a network, for example, the Internet, a local area network, awide area network and/or a wireless network. The network may comprisecopper transmission cables, optical transmission fibers, wirelesstransmission, routers, firewalls, switches, gateway computers and/oredge servers. A network adapter card or network interface in eachcomputing/processing device receives computer readable programinstructions from the network and forwards the computer readable programinstructions for storage in a computer readable storage medium withinthe respective computing/processing device.

Computer readable program instructions for carrying out operations ofthe present invention may be assembler instructions,instruction-set-architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions,machine dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions,state-setting data, or either source code or object code written in anycombination of one or more programming languages, including an objectoriented programming language such as Java, Smalltalk, C++ or the like,and conventional procedural programming languages, such as the “C”programming language or similar programming languages. The computerreadable program instructions may execute entirely on the user'scomputer, partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alone softwarepackage, partly on the user's computer and partly on a remote computeror entirely on the remote computer or server. In the latter scenario,the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer through anytype of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide areanetwork (WAN), or the connection may be made to an external computer(for example, through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider).In some embodiments, electronic circuitry including, for example,programmable logic circuitry, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA), orprogrammable logic arrays (PLA) may execute the computer readableprogram instructions by utilizing state information of the computerreadable program instructions to personalize the electronic circuitry,in order to perform aspects of the present invention.

Aspects of the present invention are described herein with reference toflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus(systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of theinvention. It will be understood that each block of the flowchartillustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in theflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented bycomputer readable program instructions.

These computer readable program instructions may be provided to aprocessor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, orother programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, suchthat the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computeror other programmable data processing apparatus, create means forimplementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or blockdiagram block or blocks. These computer readable program instructionsmay also be stored in a computer readable storage medium that can directa computer, a programmable data processing apparatus, and/or otherdevices to function in a particular manner, such that the computerreadable storage medium having instructions stored therein comprises anarticle of manufacture including instructions which implement aspects ofthe function/act specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram blockor blocks.

The computer readable program instructions may also be loaded onto acomputer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other deviceto cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer,other programmable apparatus or other device to produce a computerimplemented process, such that the instructions which execute on thecomputer, other programmable apparatus, or other device implement thefunctions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block orblocks.

FIG. 4 depicts an exemplary flowchart of the operation performed by alocation identification mechanism in determining a location or route ina city using three-dimensional city wind flow models, weatherinformation, personal preferences, or the like, in accordance with anillustrative embodiment. As the operation begins, the locationidentification mechanism receives a set of details from a user via auser interface (step 402). The set of details being, for example, atarget location, whether the user will be walking, biking, running, orthe like, as well as any other pertinent details of the target activity,such as whether the user is looking for a place to sit, have a picnic,laydown, or the like. Upon receiving the target activity, a locationidentification engine of the location identification mechanismidentifies a starting location of the user (step 404) via one or morelocation systems, such as though global positioning. Using the startinglocation and the target location, a three-dimensional model generator ofthe location identification mechanism generates a three-dimensionalmodel of the areas around the starting location, the target location,and an area between the starting location and the target location (step406). The three-dimensional model of the area includes buildings,commercial structures, apartments, parking lots, parks, sidewalks,streets, trees, or the like. Using the starting location and the targetlocation, a weather identification engine of the location identificationmechanism identifies both current local weather and forecasted localweather associated with the starting location, the target location, andthe area between the starting location and the target location (step408). Further, a personal preferences identification engine of thelocation identification mechanism identifies one or more personalpreferences of the user (step 410), such as whether the user likes sunnyareas, shaded areas, or the like; as well as other personal preferences.

With the generated three-dimensional model of the areas, the identifiedcurrent local weather and forecasted local weather, and the identifiedpersonal preferences, a simulation engine of the location identificationmechanism runs a simulation of the anticipated wind flow andtemperatures as it pertains to the generated three-dimensional model(step 412), identifying areas such as, those where wind tunnels mayoccur between buildings, downdraught effects, wind velocities, or thelike, as well as what effect on the temperature, such wind flows have.The simulation engine may further identify areas where the temperaturemay be hotter or colder due to the exposures or shading caused by ofbuildings, the position of the sun at the current time of day, or thelike. Thus, the simulation engine identifies a microclimate describingthe “feel” temperatures of the various routes from the starting locationto the target location. In order to improve the quality of thesimulation, the simulation engine may access actual measurements fromvarious sensors in the para of the starting location, the targetlocation and the area between the starting location and the targetlocation, such as temperature sensors, wind-speed detectors,wind-direction detectors, or the like. The simulation engine may alsotake into consideration surface area influences, such as concretesidewalks, concrete or asphalt streets and parking lots, grassy areas,or the like.

Once the simulation engine has completed all simulations, alocation/route identification engine of the location identificationmechanism identifies a route from the starting location to the targetlocation that meets the personal preferences of the user (step 414). Itshould be noted that the route may not be the most direct route from thestarting location to the target location, but is a route that would getthe user from the starting location to the target location while meetingthe user's personal preferences with regard to sunny areas, shadedareas, or the like. Once the location/route identification enginedetermines a route, a mapping overlay engine of the locationidentification mechanism interacts with a user selected navigationapplication associated with the data processing system in which thelocation identification mechanism operates to visually illustrate theroute from the starting location to the target location (step 416).

Finally, as the user navigates to the target location, the locationidentification mechanism monitors the route taken by the user andcontinually updates the most route for the user to take based on anyvariances from the initially determines route that the user may take,any changes in the local weather, or any other variables associated witha current location, the target location and the area between the currentlocation and the target location. Further, if the user changes routesduring a current navigation, a feedback engine of the locationidentification mechanism may identify current conditions associated withthe selected route and utilize those conditions as personal preferencesin future simulations (step 418), i.e. learning from actual measurementsof the route the user navigated during the current navigation.

The flowchart and block diagrams in the Figures illustrate thearchitecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementationsof systems, methods, and computer program products according to variousembodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in theflowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portionof instructions, which comprises one or more executable instructions forimplementing the specified logical function(s). In some alternativeimplementations, the functions noted in the block may occur out of theorder noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in successionmay, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks maysometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon thefunctionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of theblock diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocksin the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, can be implementedby special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specifiedfunctions or acts or carry out combinations of special purpose hardwareand computer instructions.

Thus, the illustrative embodiments provide mechanisms for identifying anoptimal location to walk, sit, run, bike, picnic, or the like, in anurban environment. The mechanisms generate a three-dimensional model ofthe urban environment that identifies wind flow patterns for the urbanenvironment that takes into consideration one or more urban structures,such as tall buildings, skyscrapers, commercial properties, and thelike. This three-dimensional model is then combined other one or more ofcurrent local weather conditions, forecasted local weather conditions,the time of day and resulting sun/shade areas due to the urbanstructures, as well as personal preferences of the user, such as whetherthe user is walking, biking, running, or the like; whether the user islooking for a place to sit, have a picnic, laydown, or the like; whetherthe user likes sunny areas, shaded areas, or the like; as well as otherpersonal preferences.

The mechanisms of the illustrative embodiments then generate a digitalsimulation of the microclimates within the urban environment for theparticular activity that the user is targeting. The digital simulationidentifies the most zones given the three-dimensional model of wind flowpatterns, current local weather conditions, forecasted local weatherconditions, the time of day and resulting sun/shade areas due to theurban structures, as well as personal preferences of the user. Themechanisms then overlay the identified zones onto any two-dimensional orthree-dimensional mapping tool so that the user may see an optimallocation, route, or the like for the particular activity the user istargeting. Thus the illustrative embodiment provide an improvement tocurrent technologies used to determine locations based on dynamicenvironmental characteristics and user data so that a user may move fromone place to another, have a picnic, or the like.

As noted above, it should be appreciated that the illustrativeembodiments may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, anentirely software embodiment or an embodiment containing both hardwareand software elements. In one example embodiment, the mechanisms of theillustrative embodiments are implemented in software or program code,which includes but is not limited to firmware, resident software,microcode, etc.

A data processing system suitable for storing and/or executing programcode will include at least one processor coupled directly or indirectlyto memory elements through a communication bus, such as a system bus,for example. The memory elements can include local memory employedduring actual execution of the program code, bulk storage, and cachememories which provide temporary storage of at least some program codein order to reduce the number of times code must be retrieved from bulkstorage during execution. The memory may be of various types including,but not limited to, ROM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, DRAM, SRAM, Flash memory,solid state memory, and the like.

Input/output or I/O devices (including but not limited to keyboards,displays, pointing devices, etc.) can be coupled to the system eitherdirectly or through intervening wired or wireless I/O interfaces and/orcontrollers, or the like. I/O devices may take many different formsother than conventional keyboards, displays, pointing devices, and thelike, such as for example communication devices coupled through wired orwireless connections including, but not limited to, smart phones, tabletcomputers, touch screen devices, voice recognition devices, and thelike. Any known or later developed I/O device is intended to be withinthe scope of the illustrative embodiments.

Network adapters may also be coupled to the system to enable the dataprocessing system to become coupled to other data processing systems orremote printers or storage devices through intervening private or publicnetworks. Modems, cable modems and Ethernet cards are just a few of thecurrently available types of network adapters for wired communications.Wireless communication based network adapters may also be utilizedincluding, but not limited to, 802.11 a/b/g/n wireless communicationadapters, Bluetooth wireless adapters, and the like. Any known or laterdeveloped network adapters are intended to be within the spirit andscope of the present invention.

The description of the present invention has been presented for purposesof illustration and description, and is not intended to be exhaustive orlimited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications andvariations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the artwithout departing from the scope and spirit of the describedembodiments. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to bestexplain the principles of the invention, the practical application, andto enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand theinvention for various embodiments with various modifications as aresuited to the particular use contemplated. The terminology used hereinwas chosen to best explain the principles of the embodiments, thepractical application or technical improvement over technologies foundin the marketplace, or to enable others of ordinary skill in the art tounderstand the embodiments disclosed herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A computer program product comprising a computerreadable storage medium having a computer readable program storedtherein, wherein the computer readable program, when executed on a dataprocessing system, causes the data processing system to implement alocation identification mechanism to identify a location or route for auser, and further causes the data processing system to: responsive toreceiving a set of details from the user including at least a targetlocation, identify, by a location identification engine of the locationidentification mechanism, a starting location of the user; generate, bya three-dimensional model generator of the location identificationmechanism, a three-dimensional model of an area around the startinglocation, an area around the target location, and an area between thestarting location and the target location; identify, by a weatheridentification engine of the location identification mechanism, currentlocal weather and forecasted local weather associated with the startinglocation, the target location, and the area between the startinglocation and the target location; simulate, by a simulation engine ofthe location identification mechanism, anticipated wind flow andtemperatures within the generated three-dimensional model, wherein thesimulation identifies the anticipated wind flow by identifying areaswhere wind tunnels may occur between buildings, downdraught effectscaused by the buildings, and wind velocities around the buildings, andwherein the simulation identifies the temperatures by identifying theeffect on the temperature by the anticipated wind flows, exposures orshading caused by the buildings, and a position of the sun at a currenttime of day; identify, by a location/route identification engine of thelocation identification mechanism, a route from the starting location tothe target location based on the current local weather and theforecasted local weather associated with the starting location, thetarget location, and the area between the starting location and thetarget location; the anticipated wind flow and the temperatures withinthe generated three-dimensional model; and a set of personal preferencesof the user; and present, by a mapping overlay engine of the locationidentification mechanism, the identified route on a user-selectednavigation application associated with the data processing system. 2.The computer program product of claim 1, wherein the computer readableprogram further causes the data processing system to: monitor, by thelocation identification mechanism, the user's movements from thestarting location to the target location; and responsive to the userdeviating from the identified route, generate, by the locationidentification mechanism, a new route from a current location to thetarget location based on the current local weather and the forecastedlocal weather associated with the starting location, the targetlocation, and the area between the starting location and the targetlocation; the anticipated wind flow and the temperatures within thegenerated three-dimensional model; and the set of personal preferencesof the user.
 3. The computer program product of claim 1, wherein thecomputer readable program further causes the data processing system to:monitor, by the location identification mechanism, the user's movementsfrom the starting location to the target location; responsive to theuser deviating from the identified route, identify, by a feedback engineof the location identification mechanism, current conditions associatedwith a new route; and utilize, by the feedback engine, the identifiedconditions as personal preferences in future simulations.
 4. Thecomputer program product of claim 1, wherein the set of details furtherincludes an identification of an activity the user will be using to movefrom the starting location to the target location.
 5. The computerprogram product of claim 1, wherein the set of details includes anidentification of an activity the user will be performing once thetarget location is reached.
 6. The computer program product of claim 1,wherein the three-dimensional model includes one or more from the groupconsisting of the buildings, commercial structures, apartments, parkinglots, parks, sidewalks, streets, and trees.
 7. An apparatus comprising:at least one processor; and at least one memory coupled to the at leastone processor, wherein the at least one memory comprises instructionswhich, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the at leastone processor to implement a location identification mechanism toidentify a location or route for a user, and further cause the at leastone processor to: responsive to receiving a set of details from the userincluding at least a target location, identify, by a locationidentification engine of the location identification mechanism, astarting location of the user; generate, by a three-dimensional modelgenerator of the location identification mechanism, a three-dimensionalmodel of an area around the starting location, an area around the targetlocation, and an area between the starting location and the targetlocation; identify, by a weather identification engine of the locationidentification mechanism, current local weather and forecasted localweather associated with the starting location, the target location, andthe area between the starting location and the target location;simulate, by a simulation engine of the location identificationmechanism, anticipated wind flow and temperatures within the generatedthree-dimensional model, wherein the simulation identifies theanticipated wind flow by identifying areas where wind tunnels may occurbetween buildings, downdraught effects caused by the buildings, and windvelocities around the buildings, and wherein the simulation identifiesthe temperatures by identifying the effect on the temperature by theanticipated wind flows, exposures or shading caused by the buildings,and a position of the sun at a current time of day; identify, by alocation/route identification engine of the location identificationmechanism, a route from the starting location to the target locationbased on the current local weather and the forecasted local weatherassociated with the starting location, the target location, and the areabetween the starting location and the target location; the anticipatedwind flow and the temperatures within the generated three-dimensionalmodel; and a set of personal preferences of the user; and present, by amapping overlay engine of the location identification mechanism, theidentified route on a user-selected navigation application associatedwith the apparatus.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein theinstructions further cause the processor to: monitor, by the locationidentification mechanism, the user's movements from the startinglocation to the target location; and responsive to the user deviatingfrom the identified route, generate, by the location identificationmechanism, a new route from a current location to the target locationbased on the current local weather and the forecasted local weatherassociated with the starting location, the target location, and the areabetween the starting location and the target location; the anticipatedwind flow and the temperatures within the generated three-dimensionalmodel; and the set of personal preferences of the user.
 9. The apparatusof claim 7, wherein the instructions further cause the processor to:monitor, by the location identification mechanism, the user's movementsfrom the starting location to the target location; responsive to theuser deviating from the identified route, identify, by a feedback engineof the location identification mechanism, current conditions associatedwith a new route; and utilize, by the feedback engine, the identifiedconditions as personal preferences in future simulations.
 10. Theapparatus of claim 7, wherein the set of details further includes anidentification of an activity the user will be using to move from thestarting location to the target location and wherein the set of detailsincludes an identification of an activity the user will be performingonce the target location is reached.
 11. The apparatus of claim 7,wherein the three-dimensional model includes one or more from the groupconsisting of the buildings, commercial structures, apartments, parkinglots, parks, sidewalks, streets, and trees.